Mary Edwards

Mary Edwards of Austin has been a lead medical volunteer for Special Olympics Texas for 17 years.

"I first got involved when the Summer Games were held at UT. Someone said they needed medical volunteers, or they're going to have to cancel the games. I teach EMS at ACC, so we got all of our students and went down there."

All it took was one Games and Edwards was hooked.

She's seen a lot of changes in her years as a medical volunteer. "Everything is so organized, and all people with special needs are included."

Medical volunteers are always needed at SOTX events, and Edwards said those with a little less experience shouldn't fear volunteering. "Al Blunt, the medical coordinator, does a great job of recruiting. As long as you can put on a bandaid or ice, there's always someone with more experience to pair you with."

Between the volunteers and the athletes, she loves them all.

"My favorites are the athletes. They are awesome. When you deal with someone who's self-centered most of the time, getting those athletes, who cheer each other on, they're good sports m, they make you feel good about society."